Pajama Mama Posted March 18, 2008 Posted March 18, 2008 I will be starting a home based travel agency in a couple months. Right now, I'm researching, planning and purchasing items. I need to buy a software program for a home business. Does anyone have a suggestion? I have a PC that is a few years old. I think we have Windows XP on it. I've hear mixed reviews on the Quicken program. Quote
jail warden Posted March 18, 2008 Posted March 18, 2008 That's what I use at my parents small business to do their bookwork. I always thought that if I would do bookkeeping from my home I would use that. Just my $.02. Quote
TwinMominTX Posted March 18, 2008 Posted March 18, 2008 I think that it what you mean since you are asking about Quicken... Besides Quicken you might want to look at Quickbooks and Peachtree. These are both business financial accounting programs. Peachtree is used by many professional accountants/bookkeepers and has a pretty high learning curve. Quickbooks is put out by Microsoft and has a great deal of functionality and will allow you to do and keep track of the most common things you will encounter in a small business - expenses, invoicing, month end reports, etc. I personally use Peachtree now, but did start out with Quickbooks. Actually, I don't use anything anymore, but the person I hired to do this has taken over my Peachtree files. Quote
Melinda in VT Posted March 18, 2008 Posted March 18, 2008 If you are going to use an accountant to do the business taxes, I would ask them what they use. It makes it easy if you both use the same software. We use QuickBooks and it's fine. Relatively easy to use. Quote
GothicGyrl Posted March 18, 2008 Posted March 18, 2008 Firstly, if you can afford to, I'd upgrade the pc--I think that is an essential business tool because: One doesn't need to invest in software if you learn how to use the tools that come with the pc :) Seriously. Get the latest Excel, Powerpoint, Word, and whatever else comes in that package. These can be very instrumental to running your business. Excel is very easy to use once you learn the macros--for finances. Powerpoint for your "travel presentations" to customers Word for your invoices and such. And, they do make Travel software. A quick google search using "Travel agent software" gave me this: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=opera&rls=en&hs=wpi&q=Travel+Agent+Software&btnG=Search :) Quote
karensk Posted March 18, 2008 Posted March 18, 2008 Then, if funds are available, get the travel agent software. You can use free online programs like the Google spreadsheets, etc. if you're unable to buy Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, et al, which are pretty pricey, the bundle is nearly as much as a new computer). The nice thing about using the free ones is that it doesn't take up space on your hard drive. Quote
Pajama Mama Posted March 19, 2008 Author Posted March 19, 2008 Wow-thanks for the great ideas. I am looking into getting a notebook computer. I can use it if I want to go to a potential clients home to show them a dvd or use it to book a reservation with a wireless connection. I don't have an accountant. I plan on joining a host travel agency. I can use their travel booking program. If my business become more than a part time venture I would need to find an accountant. I probably meant QuickBooks not Quicken. I'm not doing anything yet. I'm just reading, taking some classes and making contacts at this point. Since I have a disabled child, I'm interested in helping those with a disability have their dream vacation. But there is alot of research involved. Thanks for all your help Nancy Quote
LizzyBee Posted March 19, 2008 Posted March 19, 2008 As a CPA, I think Quickbooks is great for small businesses. There are several price levels, depending on what kind of features you want. If you have questions about how to use it, find a CPA firm or independent QB consultant to give you some training before you start. It will make a world of difference in your comfort level and accounting fees. Quote
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